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Treating Hemorrhoids: Surgery

Your doctor may recommend surgery to remove hemorrhoids that cause severe symptoms. Your doctor can explain the procedure that will be used. You’ll also be told how to get ready for surgery, and what to expect while you recover.

Getting Ready for Surgery

Your surgery will be done at a hospital or surgical center. Be sure to follow all your doctor’s guidelines to prepare for surgery.

Tell your doctor what medications you take. This includes blood thinners, aspirin, and ibuprofen. Also mention if you take any herbal remedies or supplements. In some cases, you may need to stop taking them a week before surgery.

Stop smoking.

Arrange for an adult family member or friend to give you a ride home after the procedure.

Stop eating and drinking before midnight, the night before your surgery.

Risks and Complications

The possible risks and complications of the treatments described on these pages include:

Infection

Bleeding

Trouble urinating

Narrowing of the anal canal (very rare)

When to Call Your Doctor

After surgery, call your doctor if you have any of the following:

Increasing pain

Persistent bleeding

Fever or chills

Inability to move your bowels

Trouble urinating

The Day of Surgery

Arrive at the hospital or surgery center on time. You will be asked to sign some forms and change into a patient gown. You’ll then be given an IV (intravenous line), which supplies fluids and medication. You may also be given a laxative or enema to clean stool from your rectum. Just before surgery, you’ll talk with an anesthesiologist. He or she can explain the type of medication used to prevent pain during surgery.

Local anesthesia numbs just the surgical area.

Monitored sedation makes you relaxed and drowsy.

Regional anesthesia numbs certain areas of your body.

General anesthesia lets you sleep during the procedure.

During Surgery

Your doctor will insert an anoscope to view the anal canal. Using surgical tools, the swollen hemorrhoids are then removed. In some cases, the incision is closed with sutures. In other cases, you may have a procedure that closes the incision with staples.

Hemorrhoidectomy with Sutures

The hemorrhoids are removed using surgical tools, such as a scalpel or cautery (sealing) device. The incision is then closed with sutures. In some cases, the incision may be left partially open. This allows fluid to drain and helps the healing process.

Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy

This procedure uses a special device to remove a ring of tissue from the anal canal. Removing the tissue cuts off blood supply to the hemorrhoids, causing them to shrink. The tissue ring is then secured with staples. This helps hold the tissue in place.

After Surgery

You’ll be taken to a recovery area to rest for a while. You can usually go home the same day. But in some cases you may need to remain in the hospital overnight. For a short time after surgery you may have nausea, minor bleeding, and discharge. You’ll also likely have some pain. To help you feel better, your doctor will prescribe pain medication. You may also be prescribed medications to help make bowel movements easier.